This site is based on my daily practice of traditional Shotokan Karate-Do here in Oita City, Japan. More than anything else, unlike the majority of other karate-do websites, this page is primarily dedicated to training itself; that is, Karate-Do as a vehicle for holistic development.

Sunday, 16 February 2014

Pedagogical differences: A brief case study of gyaku-zuki

The 'traditional' (foundational) gyaku-zuki.

In jiyu kumite we “break the foundational
rules” of kihon and kata by coming up on the toes (as opposed to keeping the
feet flat). Just like a sprinter doesn’t run on their heels, being on one’s
heels in a free-fighting match (or self-defence) is like turning oneself into a
`sitting duck’: it is both defensively and offensively cumbersome. flat)e their body, but is eel from

﻿

So why do we train to keep
the feet flat in kihon and kata? Let’s briefly look at the `traditional
(foundational) gyaku-zuki’ and the `free-style version’ where the heel is
raised. Please note the three photographs, the first being the `basic’/`traditional’
gyaku-zuki; the second being the freestyle gyaku-zuki—with a classical full
hiki-te (pull back of the opposite hand); and the third, a simultaneous hidari
gyaku-zuki with te-nagashi-uke (sweeping block)—commonly seen in jiyu-kumite
matches.

The `freestyle' hidari gyaku-zuki (with nagashi-uke).

Criticism
of the heel drive: Some Western karateka criticise the
traditional Japanese idea of driving from the heel. And while their arguments
are valid, they show a misunderstanding of the Japanese way: as they are steeped in
`tunnel vision pragmatism’. I assure you that the Japanese are very aware that
keeping the foot flat is not appropriate in the freestyle context. The fact of
the matter is that the Japanese have shown time and time again that practicing “driving
from the heel—in the foundational waza—results in better freestyle techniques”.
Why? Firstly, because the foundational techniques and kata are highly restrictive; hence,
when the restrictions are removed, one can
move far bettere restrictive. hat the Japanesetion that they
haven'towards tr. Secondly, by keeping the heel down, one is more stable when hitting a target with full power (and the heel naturally raises without conscious effort). In this case, only practicing with the `heel raise' results in reduced balance/shock absorbance.
﻿﻿Needless to
say, one must not only practice the traditional/foundational versions of techniques,
e.g. – the basic gyaku-zuki, but also the freestyle versions (jiyu kumite no
kihon). What I am trying to say here is that "everything is about balance". Traditional and freestyle... Not one or the other...

The gapping pedagogical void: What I have consistently found, over the
years of being here in Japan, is that there is often a huge void between the
pedagogical approaches of Japanese and Western karateka/instructors. This is not
good or bad, but I personally believe that having an open mind, and not jumping
to uninformed conclusions, is the best way (especially when taking into account the language and cultural barriers, which sometimes result in technical misunderstandings). Taken as a whole, optimal development in Karate-Do will always be a balance of the foundational kihon, kata, and yakusoku kumite; and, of course, the `unrestricted' zone of jiyu-kumite training. All the very best from snowy Nippon, André.

About Me

My name is Andre Bertel. I am a New Zealand born karateka who lives in Oita City (Oita Prefecture, Japan). I've practiced the Shotokan style for many years, spending much time here in Japan, seeking to improve my skills and understanding of authentic Karate-Do. I was a student of the late Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei. While I may never reach a high level in Karate-Do, I endeavour to do my best via daily training. Furthermore, I believe in promoting the true 'traditional Budo Karate' of Japan, which has and continues to be seriously undermined worldwide: especially in the West.
I am in deep gratitude for the wonderful friendships I have made worldwide, as an instructor, and as an ongoing student of Karate-Do. Overall, Karate-Do has been my way of life, and is something I live everyday.